What would happen if you spent a week in Virtual reality? Someone tested it out!
For the non tech people out there, VR is Virtual reality, a headset that has a television of sorts attached directly before the eyes that allows the person to be immersed in a 3D world.
Where you look the game or application looks as well. See below picture:
Remember when mom used to shout from the kitchen, "move away from the TV screen, your eyes will hurt!", well we sure didn't listen to that advise...we now have it an inch from our face!!
Enter Jak Wilmot, a content producer that specialized in VR (Virtual reality). He asked himself the very same question, with movies like the Matrix, Total Recall and recently Ready player one we have been introduced to something that seems to exceed our very own reality, making it seem like a fantasy world that is available to anyone that is hooked up into the system.
Of course these things didn't work out that well in the these movies, but what would it actually be like being immersed in a 'fake' world like that for an extended period of time?
He hopes the experience will allow the developing of "various coping methods for remaining sane, healthy, and productive while immersed."
So Jak decides to spend 168 hours in that world completely....he will work, play , communicate and relax using the device, as it will surely take place in the future as well.
What would the mental and physical strains be?
Will he even be able to make it through?
How would it be possible with movement in the home, toilet showering etc
The Rules
- Jak would use 2 sets of headsets for all his time in VR. Oculus Rift for his seated sessions, and the HTC Vive Focus that gives augmented reality options (takes what you see and creates a virtual world based on what is actually around you, allowing you to walk in the house but remain in the VR world. A front facing camera shows the world to you, so you never see it with your own eyes). this allows him to do dishes, use the bathroom and prepare meals etc
- Jak is allowed 30 seconds to switch between the VR headsets (eyes remain closed)
- All windows in the house need to be blocked and closed so that the day/night affect is directly linked to the VR world and not the external / real world
- If required Jak is allowed 30 seconds to eat if required, but most meals allow him to remain immersed in VR
BTW, Jak also live-streamed the whole week. I will link a YouTube video of the weeks overview below.
Results
Jak Wilmot - “This is quite possibly the dumbest thing I’ve ever done, but welcome to a week in the future,”
Anything you were keen to do was available immediately through the program access. Stressed, load a relaxing environment. Have energy, load an exercise program/game. Want to be alone, spend time alone in a world of your making, or connect to people in the community through online options if you're wanting 'companionship'. Most of those connections would be strangers of course, looking NOTHING like they do in real life....a man can be a werewolf girl avatar for example.
It's all available in the headsets.
Credit
However because its not face to face, it was easy to make connections and 'friends'. They quickly transform into a "tribe".
He seemed to enjoy the meditation time with people from all over the world.
Sleeping seemed to be quite easy, although his eyes burned a bit. Although he had strange dreams.
[Twitter]
He did mention how much he actually missed connecting to "earth". Also it started becoming really monotonous.
I did find it interesting that time changed....which is something that I believe strongly in, that it is relative to where you are. I believe it would change should we be somewhere with different inputs...for example, a planet rotating slower and orbiting slower would change time for us.
Also things seemed to repeat, and deja-vu became a regular experience. In fact he also said that being in the headset gave no inspiration! I found that quite interesting....that the inspiration for all life's greatest artists and fundis came from being in the world!
Also the energy and 'realness' of nature and reality just CANNOT BE DUPLICATED. I can fully appreciate that.
Below is the video of the experience....it is fascinating, and a little crazy but was bound to happen at some stage.
What do you think of it?